Makati Mavericks on a winning streak

The Makati Mavericks continues to display their strength in rugby with their recent wins and participation in various tournaments abroad and locally.

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The Mavericks’ Ryan Santos, also the captain of the Philippine Volcanoes Under 18s, competed against Sri Lanka, UAE, Singapore, and Taipei during the Asia Rugby Under 18s Sevens Tournament in Taipei, while on the local front, the Mavericks also landed a spot in the semifinals and went head to head with the Cebu Dragons for the Plate Division Title during the Fat Boy 10s’ rugby tournament at the Challenger Field in Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Makati Mavericks’ Lito Ramirez (center) evades an opponent in his attempt to score a touchdown in the Rugby Tournament of FB 10s at Clark Challenger Field in Pampanga. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Mavericks’ lineup of players include its own Lito Ramirez, a winger and full-back for the Volcanoes who successfully joined the national team from the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) grassroots program.

“It ended up with the Mavericks facing the Cebu Dragons, and we are more than delighted,” shared Alex Aronson, Mavericks Senior Men’s Team coach, adding, “I am happy and very proud that we keep on improving and becoming better.”

Aronson stressed that the Mavericks managed to prevail by relying closely on the opponents’ physical abilities and resistance. “Strategies change depending on the team. Since some of our rivals were heavier, we tried to spread the ball wide and make them run around. We tried to take advantage of the age and the weight. On other teams, we tried to play defense and make sure we stand defense,” he explained.

Fatigue and stress are among the many struggles every rugby player faces, and the Mavericks has learned to work around these limitations. “What we do tell the boys is to just stay focused. If they need to rehydrate and rest in between games, it is totally fine as we need all the energy we can get. We also do high-intensity quick warm-ups and just make sure we are ready when we enter the field,” said Aronson.

The rugby team only hopes to spread awareness about the sport and enter the Philippine National Team, the Philippine Volcanoes. “When we are on the field, we just enjoy playing rugby and making the most of the events. At the same time, we make sure we become as strong as we plan to be and someday, have Mavericks be part of the national team,” concluded Aronson.